API Awards 2011: Winners announced

Some 16 different companies, individuals, products and venues have been honoured in the 2011 Audio Pro International Awards, in association with NAMM. The winners were announced during the PLASA Show in London.Unsurprisingly, after a record-breaking tour, taking in 36 stadium dates in the UK, Ireland and Europe, Take That’s Progress Live Tour picked up the award for the Best Live Sound Event. With Capital supplying the audio system, the Progress Live Tour also picked up the prestigious Grand Prix award.

The ‘Godfather of modern PA’ Charlie Watkins picked up the Lifetime Achievement Award, while the popular (and API columnist) Dave Swallow was named Best Live Sound Engineer.

It’s also been a good year for DiGiCo, with the UK firm claiming Best New Live Sound Product – Console for its SD10, plus the award for Live After Sales Support.

The full list of winners are as follows: LIVE & INSTALLED

Live Sound EventTake That Progress Live Tour (Capital Sound)

New Live Sound Product – ConsolesDiGiCo SD10

New Live Sound Product – PAFunktion One PSM12

New Live Sound Product – AmplifiersMC2 E100

New Installation ProductD&B Audiotechnik White Range

Installation ExperienceDoctor Who Experience (Sarner)

Live Sound EngineerDave Swallow

After Sales SupportDiGiCo STUDIO & BROADCAST

New Studio Product – MicrophoneAudio-Technica BP4001

New Studio Product – OutboardAMS Neve 1073LB

New Studio Product – MonitorGenelec 1238CF

Broadcast SoundLater With Jools Holland

Recording Studio EngineerToby Alington

Studio of the YearBritish Grove Studios

Studio InitiativeMetropolis – Live to Vinyl Recordings After Sales SupportStudiospares

Lifetime Achievement AwardCharlie Watkins

Grand PrixTake That Progress Live Tour

"We were overwhelmed with the volume of nominations we received for the Audio Pro International Awards this year," said editor Daniel Gumble. "It’s clear they are now firmly on the pro-audio calendar. "Huge congratulations to all the 2011 winners. We would also like to thank NAMM for sponsoring the awards once again."